Chapter 7 - Support of the family and staff

Summary

Critical care staff caring for the patient and her fetus or newborn also benefit from systematic supports, as they are repeatedly exposed to patient trauma, family crisis, and loss. This chapter reviews the supports that can be provided to both families and staff in these scenarios. When a pregnant woman becomes critically ill, the threats to her health and that of her fetus may necessitate multiple decisions about medical management. Pregnant patients in the ICU who are conscious require the emotional and psychological support needed by any adult with a critical illness. While maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality rates continue to fall worldwide, there will still be situations where clinicians are unable to save the life of the mother and/or infant. Supporting staff members and enabling them to continue their important work requires a culture which permits expression of emotion, confusion, and conflict.